Couteau, ciseaux et rasoir: Objets tranchants et métamorphose dans L’Immoraliste d’André Gide

Abstract

This paper examines the metamorphosis, or homosexual rebirth, of the narrator in The Immoralist by André Gide. In particular, this essay studies how three metal objects act as the catalyzers at pivotal stages of the metamorphosis.  The psychoanalytic and symbolic values of the knife, the pair of scissors and the razor are examined to see the potential of these objects as truly the stepping-stones or “Transformational Objects” of the metamorphosis.  If this were the case, then why would Gide choose to have his narrator undergo a “metallic” metamorphosis?  Viewing the metamorphosis through these objects, I argue that Gide silently presents the violent struggle for homosexuals in late 19^th century France.